Happy Wednesday! For those with a normal work week (probably everyone not in the events industry) your weekend is almost half way here!! For everyone else (myself included) maybe today is your day off and you should enjoy that too! To help get this week’s post back on track I decided to combine my Tuesday Ten list with some wedding (or any event) planning rules that I came across from Preston Bailey. He has designed events for celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Donald Trump and Jennifer Hudson as well as published a number of books about the events he has put together. (In other words I think he knows quite a few things that could be helpful for anyone in the events industry or planning their own event, including me!) So for any DIY event planners, or for those looking to hire someone else, here are 10 tips that will be sure to make your event an experience everyone will enjoy!
1. Remember that an event is an experience for your guests. Try to have some kind of surprise for them every 30 minutes.
2. I believe music is the soul of an event. It’s essential to choose the right playlist and monitor the volume. Music should be loud enough to enjoy, yet low enough for guests to carry on conversations comfortably. Don’t know where to start? Check out these songs that are sure to get your guests out on the dance floor!
3. Carefully placed scented candles are a must for all events. Preferable at the entrance, always in bathrooms.
4. Be sure to have enough servers—at least two per every 10 guests—when hosting a seated dinner. Make sure you have the correct table setup too!
5. Carefully time the service of your courses. You never want some guests finishing their appetizer while others have moved on to the main course.
6. Assign one person to remain close to the client. As the host of the event, it is essential they have quick access to someone who can attend to any last-minute needs or suggestions.
7. An event is an escape. Always make sure the decor creates lots of “OMG!” moments.
8. Maintain good communication with clients, and make sure they know what to expect. “Preston, that is not what I had in mind” is a phrase I have heard too often.
9. No one talks about guests who smoke. You’ll likely have a few attendees who would like to do so—without guilt. Be sure to create an area with them in mind, even if the event is outside. Check out these other great venue tips to consider when planning your event.
10. You know you have had a successful event when guests do not want to leave. Be sure to have additional food and entertainment available, should you find yourself hosting guests who don’t want to go home.
I know I will be keeping this list handy when planning all my events from now on! Do you have a great tip to add to this list?
xoxo
Megan
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1. Remember that an event is an experience for your guests. Try to have some kind of surprise for them every 30 minutes.
2. I believe music is the soul of an event. It’s essential to choose the right playlist and monitor the volume. Music should be loud enough to enjoy, yet low enough for guests to carry on conversations comfortably. Don’t know where to start? Check out these songs that are sure to get your guests out on the dance floor!
3. Carefully placed scented candles are a must for all events. Preferable at the entrance, always in bathrooms.
4. Be sure to have enough servers—at least two per every 10 guests—when hosting a seated dinner. Make sure you have the correct table setup too!
5. Carefully time the service of your courses. You never want some guests finishing their appetizer while others have moved on to the main course.
6. Assign one person to remain close to the client. As the host of the event, it is essential they have quick access to someone who can attend to any last-minute needs or suggestions.
7. An event is an escape. Always make sure the decor creates lots of “OMG!” moments.
8. Maintain good communication with clients, and make sure they know what to expect. “Preston, that is not what I had in mind” is a phrase I have heard too often.
9. No one talks about guests who smoke. You’ll likely have a few attendees who would like to do so—without guilt. Be sure to create an area with them in mind, even if the event is outside. Check out these other great venue tips to consider when planning your event.
10. You know you have had a successful event when guests do not want to leave. Be sure to have additional food and entertainment available, should you find yourself hosting guests who don’t want to go home.
I know I will be keeping this list handy when planning all my events from now on! Do you have a great tip to add to this list?
xoxo
Megan
You might also like…
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